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<snip>
People, the issue isn't "do we care if we offend someone?" no matter
how much some of you hope it is. Nor is anyone asserting words don't
have connotations, as some other black-and-white poster stated. Those
are simply attempts to change the venue to another court.
The issue *is* communications efficiency. Some people apparently think
we have to throw away a word because a single individual is made
uncomfortable by it. I would encourage the person who responded to
Mr. Orr to drop me a line -- off list if you like -- regarding the
degree of "offense" he[?] felt. Enough to never use the product being
discussed again? Enough to search through the drive documentation and
return the hard drive if it used those terms? Enough to never use a
computer which used "slave processes" or supported "slave terminals?"
<snip>
I think ALL of us should print out this message, have it laminated to
ensure its longevity, and consider the message before storming off on
our high horses, tilting at windmills whenever we have to use some
words that may cause others discomfort. If the usage is correct (as
defined by a substantive dictionary of usage), the industry norm, or
clearly describes what we are attempting to communicate, then use the
word. If people want to ascribe meanings never intended nor
inferred, then let those petty minds do what they feel they must.
Now, _let us put this thread to rest_, my computer is getting ticked
off by all this lunacy.
Ralph E. Robinson
PS Very nicely stated Arlen!!
Author of the book "Documenting ISO 9000: Guidelines for
Compliant Documentation" available through R2 Innovations
in Mississuaga, Ontario.
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